For Immediate Release
Ed Levin
Director of Publicity
Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta
610-246-5902
levins51@verizon.net
Philadelphia, Pa., March 2018 – The Dad Vail Regatta Organizing Committee (DVROC) and Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University) are pleased to announce that the newly combined University will serve as the title sponsor of America’s largest and most celebrated collegiate rowing regatta.
Called the “Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta,” the Philadelphia event will be held this spring for the 80th year on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 on the Schuylkill River.
The partnership holds special significance following the merger of Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University on July 1, 2017.
“We are elated to have the new Jefferson join with us as we celebrate our 80th Dad Vail Regatta anniversary,” says DVROC President Jim Hanna. “Our alliance enhances shared values bridging academia, athletics and healthy lifestyles. In perpetuating Philadelphia traditions for both Jefferson and the Dad Vail, our partnership will ensure a bright and strong future for the Regatta while celebrating the significance of college sports for Philadelphia.”
“Our association with the Dad Vail Regatta is yet another example of our commitment to an education ecosystem where we prepare students for leadership in their careers both in and out of the classroom,” says Stephen K. Klasko, MD, MBA, president and CEO of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health. “We are proud to add our University’s name to this historic event, which began in 1934 and has been a permanent fixture in Philadelphia since 1952. We are equally proud to introduce our Jefferson Rams Rowing Team at this year’s Dad Vail, led by Assistant Director of Athletics and Rowing Coach Chris O’Brien.”
The Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta, presented by Independence Blue Cross, Coca-Cola and PECO, annually attracts more than 100 universities and colleges from North America and Canada and 3,000 rowers almost equally divided between men and women. Jefferson Rams will have several crews rowing in this year’s Regatta. Prior to the universities’ merger, the team was known as the Philadelphia University Rams.
Named after beloved rowing coach Harry Emerson “Dad” Vail, who was one of the sport’s most passionate advocates, the Regatta attracts tens of thousands of spectators. Every year they line the banks of the Schuylkill River to enjoy the spirited competition and festive atmosphere.
About Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University)
Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University) is a leader in transdisciplinary, experiential professional education. Jefferson, home of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, is now a comprehensive professional university delivering high-impact education in 160 undergraduate and graduate programs to 7,800 students in architecture, business, design, engineering, fashion, health, medicine, science and textiles. The new Jefferson is reimaging the higher education value proposition with an approach that is collaborative and active; increasingly global; integrated with industry; focused on research across disciplines to foster innovation and discovery; and technology-enhanced. Student-athletes compete as the Jefferson Rams in the NCAA Division II Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference.
